Breakfast at the Finish

I stumbled across this tiny video earlier this week. I watched it a few times and then I had to learn more! This is my kind of event!

It turns out its from the Three Rivers Race held each year since 1961 on the Norfolk Broads in England. The 2024 Edition was sailed last weekend and is billed as “Europe's toughest inland sailing race”, It’s run by Horning Sailing Club. Held over 24 hours, with over 100 sailors from all over world travelling to Horning to take part. In 2014 The Three Rivers Race was nominated the third toughest mass-participation event in the UK in recognition of the many obstacles faced by competitors including three bridges to be negotiated involving lowering the mast and sails for each,  frequent lack of wind during the night, and hire cruisers during the day!.

The course is 50 miles long, and some 15 different classes are eligible to take part with competitors making their own individual decisions as to which order to round the four turning points and all are given a maximum of 24 hours to complete the course. Competitors’ decisions involve a lot of tactical planning to work out the best way to take advantage of the tides in order to get around all the turning points as quickly as possible.

I can’t find a video of the 2024 event, but theres a great visual account of last year’s event below.

I love gatherings like this! It’s no suprise that it’s oversubscribed when so many events are struggling to make up numbers. The keys? Community, Adventure, Challenge, Authenticity, and not taking yourself too seriously.

Now it just so happens the Yarra from Williamstown up to Dights Falls, return, is about 30 nautical miles. Perhaps throw in a short detour up the Maribyrnong. And there are a few nice low bridges to add a bit of spice! Just Sayin’!